Disc, rack & guard compatible, drop-bar allrounder... id

pedropete

Hi all,

I know this one's been done in a variety of guises, but I'd appreciate some input/ideas.

Looking to buy (or build) a disc-braked, drop-barred, rack and guard-ready allrounder for combined road/fitness riding, commuting, shopping & light touring (hence the rack requirement) and one that won't get upset when I hop kerbs or take the rougher shortcuts. And, ideally something that won't give me a hernia from shouldering it.

I'm still considering whether I want a regular transmission or the simplicity of a hub-gear (Alfine). Cost of the Versa drop-bar Alfine shifter has to be a factor for a self build though, as there aren't many used ones around.

I know such a ride's unlikely to excel at everything but I'm comfortable with that. Be good to hear what people are using and get your thoughts on the bikes/frames I've shortlisted, below:
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1. Genesis 'Croix de Fer' - http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/cross/croix-de-fer/croix-de-fer
Like it and it's got great reviews, but not keen on white frames and the gruppo & fork spec suffered this year.

2. Genesis 'Day 1 Alfine' - http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/cross/day-01/day-01-alfine
Again, nice looking package and Alfine simplicity is very appealing, but steel fork and other bits are a little stingy.

3. Kona 'Honky Inc' (2010 or 2011) - http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=honky_inc
Carbon fork, Ultegra/105 tranny and BB7s look great on paper, but buggered if I can find any reviews! Anyone own/ed or ridden one and can offer feedback?

4. Cotic >X< (self-build) - http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/x
Lovely looking frame with a carbon fork. £450 for just frame & fork means it won't be cheap though.

5. On One 'Pompetamine': Versa,Versa Pro or frameset only - http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FROOPOMPET/on-one-pompetamine-frame
Love the look of this, and again, the Alfine prospect is compelling. Could just about afford to build it up with the Cotic carbon fork as well. Not sure how tough it is though.
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So, what do you all think?

Cheers... Pete.

TommyEss

pedropete wrote:

5. On One 'Pompetamine': Versa,Versa Pro or frameset only - http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FROOPOMPET/on-one-pompetamine-frame
Love the look of this, and again, the Alfine prospect is compelling. Could just about afford to build it up with the Cotic carbon fork as well. Not sure how tough it is though.
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So, what do you all think?

Cheers... Pete.

Well it's basically the Pompino frame - steel and plenty tough enough - I mean, don't do downhill or freeride on it, but cyclocross, tow paths, pot-hole-strewn streets are all good.

jonny_trousers

Although I don't own one I've always had a thing for the Cotic Roadrat simply because it seems so versatile, but the Cotic X looks even better (do you think the carbon fork can really handle discs?). Now, if only someone would hurry up and make a drop bar, alfine 11-speed shifter then I may have found my new uber-commuter/do-all bike.

Post your question at commuting chat too as a few guys there have the bikes you are interested in. Good luck and keep us informed.

pedropete

Jonny_Trousers wrote:

Now, if only someone would hurry up and make a drop bar, alfine 11-speed shifter then I may have found my new uber-commuter/do-all bike.

Think I'll be in the queue with you when they appear.

What we really want is a Ti framed, carbon forked, Alfine 11 & Versa shifter toting, BB7 wearing, Gates belt-driven uber steed! Now, who's paying for it? :shock: Will post in the commuting section like you said.

jonny_trousers

pedropete wrote:

Jonny_Trousers wrote:

What we really want is a Ti framed, carbon forked, Alfine 11 & Versa shifter toting, BB7 wearing, Gates belt-driven uber steed! Now, who's paying for it? :shock: Will post in the commuting section like you said.

Ha! Now you're talking! All coming in at under a grand too, of course.

PeterBL

For the price, this can't be beat: http://www.ciclib.de/Raeder/Cross/Cicli ... 023&p=1023

Full Sram Apex, BB7 brakes, alu frame, carbon forks, dynamo lightning (a good one), Tubus rack and full Ritchey finishing kit for 1000 euros. What's not to like?

Burghley

Hi

Something like this perhaps:

http://s247.photobucket.com/albums/gg13 ... o%20cross/

Rgds

Pete

majormantra

PeterBL wrote:

For the price, this can't be beat: http://www.ciclib.de/Raeder/Cross/Cicli ... 023&p=1023

Full Sram Apex, BB7 brakes, alu frame, carbon forks, dynamo lightning (a good one), Tubus rack and full Ritchey finishing kit for 1000 euros. What's not to like?

That's rather nice actually. If I understand correctly it would be €50 postage to the UK but that's still pretty competitive for the spec.

From the OP's list I'd go for one of the Genesis options. Their bikes are just generally nice looking and well sorted - I have two! (iO and Flyer)

PeterBL

MajorMantra wrote:

That's rather nice actually. If I understand correctly it would be €50 postage to the UK but that's still pretty competitive for the spec.

I think you understand correctly! Their website isn't the best and German only, but they should speak English on the phone, and that's how you would place your order anyway (you can spec your bike exactly as you want it, but the website isn't up to that).

maddog 2

Genesis Day One or the Cotic, out of those IMO.

Orange is good.

pedropete

As much as I fancy the Cotic I just don't think I'll get the spec I want without caning the savings too heavily.

The two Genesis look great and been watching a Croix de Fer on ebaY; will see how it pans out. And, the Kona looks better by the minute, as 2010 models are now selling new for less than £800. Just can't find any reviews of more than one paragraph! Anyone?

Of course it's all moot until I flog my Pitch Pro, as that'll be a significant chunk of the budget.

pedropete

Looks like I'm breaking my Pitch Pro for parts, so will have some bits kicking around that could potentially go on a new frame.

Thinking about the Cotic, how doable would it be to run my 26" wheel set on this frame with a QR adaptor for the front 20mm thru hub? Not sure what the spacing is on this frame but be great if I could as it'd give me a tough and not-too-heavy set that I wouldn't have to buy. Maybe sling some lightweight 26" touring/slicks on and use my Stans Notubes kit, what do you think?

While I'm on the subject of recycling parts, what about running my X9 rear mech with some SRAM 9-speed road shifters? Would the indexing work out or is that a bad idea?